The Alpha Course at ABC

Over 2 million people in the UK and 11 million worldwide have now attended an Alpha course, an opportunity to explore the meaning of life, running in tens of thousands of churches of all denominations across the world.

Alpha is an opportunity for anyone to explore the Christian faith in a relaxed setting over ten thought-provoking weekly sessions.

Most courses attract a diverse range of guests of different ages and backgrounds, holding many different viewpoints. Over 7,000 courses are currently running across the UK in rural and urban settings, including every major UK city.

People find out about the Alpha course in a number of ways - a recommendation from a friend, a poster, flyer, newspaper article or advert, or through the website or an internet search.

Guests attend for a wide variety of reasons - some want to investigate whether God exists; others are concerned about what happens after death. Some people have particular questions that they would like to discuss; others want to understand other peoples' beliefs or would like to explore what the purpose of life is. Many guests have never been to church, others may have attended church occasionally but feel they have never really understood the basics of the Christian faith.

The course is based around small groups of about 12 people, hosted by one or two leaders whose role is to facilitate and encourage discussion.

Courses vary in size depending on how many attend, but are usually between 6 and 20 people in size. Courses at ABC are held in the evening courses, typically lasting about and hour and a half. Whatever the course size, people tend to remain in the same small groups for the duration of the course so they can get to know each other, continue discussions and deepen friendships.

The whole course usually lasts for 10 weeks.

Each session begins with refreshments - a chance to get to know others in the group. There is then a short talk given by the host, which looks at a different aspect of the Christian faith each week.This is followed by a time of discussion where everyone is welcome to contribute their opinion, ask questions and discuss with the rest of the group.

The emphasis is upon exploration and discovery in a relaxed and informal environment.

There is no charge for attending the Alpha course.

What Alpha offers, and what is attracting thousands of people, is permission, rare in secular culture, to discuss the big questions - life and death and their meaning.
The Guardian, London

What distinguishes Alpha from other initiatives is the easy-going, relaxed feel of the proceedings - that, and its astonishing success.
The Times, London

The miracle formula church leaders are hoping will reverse this religious decline...many claim Alpha has changed their lives and appear genuinely happier for the experience.
Time Magazine

Alpha is an unqualified triumph.
The Daily Telegraph, London

Alpha has succeeded in many cases in turning faithful churchgoers from an inward focus on church work to an outward focus on evangelistic outreach...
Christianity Today

A novel approach to Christian education that has been catching on nationwide.
The New York Times

Alpha makes Christianity relevant to modern life.
The Express, London

Alpha, one of the world's fastest growing methods of evangelism.
Times-News, North Carolina

The world's most popular course in Christianity.
The Independent on Sunday, London

The next Alpha Course Launch will be at ABC in January 2012 and we always kick of the Alpha Course with an Alpha Course Launch Night.

The launch night is completely informal, we invite you to come along and meet past and current attenders of the Alpha Course who will tell you what it's like. Additionally you'll meet the hosts of the course and have the chance to listen to a small presentation (around 10mins) on what you can expect should you decide to attend. You are welcome to bring friends along with you if it makes you feel more comfortable, and small buffet and drinks will be served in the Atrium during the evening.